10th Annual KJ's 5K for Mental Health and Animal Rescue

10th Annual KJ's 5K for Mental Health & Animal Rescue

Portage Lakes State Park, 5031 Manchester Rd, Akron, OH 44319

Event Details

• Date: Saturday, October 3, 2026
• Check-in: 8:00 am
• 5K Start: 9:00 am
• Awards Ceremony: 10:30 am

Virtual Option

KJ's has a 5k virtual option too! A virtual 5k means you can run, walk, crawl, bike or otherwise complete the 5k without worrying about the starting line crowds at a traditional in-person 5k. The world is your trail! You can complete a 5k (3.1 mile) distance anywhere you choose, any time between September 1 through October 4!

• Race Packet: Pickup at our branch or mailed for additional $5.
• Contents: Includes a custom KJ's 5k t-shirt & a unique custom designed finishers medal.

Packet Pickup & Mailing

• Pickup Dates: October 6-10, 2025 from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
• Location: Portage Path Behavioral Health, 340 South Broadway Street, Akron, Ohio 44308
• Mailing: Will be mailed out on Tuesday, October 7.

Virtual Results Submission

Submit Your Virtual Results: September 1 through October 4 at Submit Your Virtual Results

Pricing

• In-Person Age 15 and under: $10.00 until August 31, $15.00 until September 30, $20.00 up to Event Day
• In-Person Age 16 and up: $25.00 until August 31, $30.00 until September 30, $35.00 up to Event Day
• Virtual Option: $30.00 up to October 4, plus $5 if shipping your packet

T-Shirt Information

We offer Youth Large, Adult Small to 3X-Large, & No Shirt option. After September 15th, t-shirts are first come, first served, and not guaranteed. If you registered on the 15th or before, your t-shirt will be available in the size requested.

Awards

• Top Finishers: Overall Top 3 Men
• Top Finishers: Top 3 Women
• Top Finishers: Top 3 Youth

Support and Impact

We run in support of local Mental Health and Animal Rescue organizations.

KJ's 5K aims to stem the tide of the suicide epidemic. For the last 23 years, the suicide rate has increased nationwide by over 37.1%. In 2023 alone, the U.S. recorded over 49,000 deaths by suicide, over 1.5 million suicide attempts and 1 death every 11 minutes. Here in Summit County, the suicide rate stands at 17 per 100,000, or nearly 15% ABOVE the national average.

By attending KJ's 5k, you can make a difference! Join us on Saturday, October 4th, 2025 to support suicide prevention and education in Summit County and help take care of homeless animals. Proceeds benefit Portage Path Behavioral Health and select animal charities. Donations can also be given by going to this linked fundraiser page. Donations can also be made through the registration process.

Volunteer

If you would like to volunteer at our event please sign up under this volunteer section.